How to Use a Neti Pot to Relieve Nasal Congestion

Do you have seasonal allergies? Are you suffering from sinusitis or a sinus infection? The neti pot is an alternative to taking medicine to get relief of these conditions. In many cases you will be able to breathe freely within minutes and the relief will last for hours. Here is what a neti pot is, how to use it, and where you can buy a neti pot.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Neti, the practice of nasal cleansing, uses a warm water solution for the nasal irrigation process. The neti pot is an effortless way to generate a gentle flow of salt water through your nose. This process washes away pollens, mucus, viruses and bacteria and promotes drainage of the sinuses and speeds healing of inflamed tissues.

2. Use A Neti Pot to Nuke Your Nasal Congestion
   
   Antibiotics, decongestants, and antihistamines offer temporary relief when pressure builds up in your sinuses or when your allergies flare up. Follow these simple steps to open your nasal passages.
   • Fill the neti pot with warm tap water.
   • Mix in ½ teaspoon of non-iodized salt.
   • With you head over a sink and turned to one side place the neti pot in one nostril so it creates a seal and pour the neti pot solution in the upper nostril until it begins to come out of the lower nostril. (This process resembles when you get water up your nose while swimming.)
   • Switch sides and repeat.
   • When the fluid stops dripping exhale vigorously through both nostrils, without plugging the nostrils, while holding your head over the sink.
   • Keep a tissue with you for a few minutes until all the solution is out.

3. The Neti Pot Should Fit You
   
   The neti pot you purchase should be right for your nostrils. Select a neti pot with a tapered conical tip at the spout end so it provides support on the nostril walls. When the nostril is sealed properly it minimizes water pouring in to the sink instead of flowing into your nostril. Neti pots are inexpensive (less than $20) and are available at most drugstores and online health stores.

Tips & Warnings

• This technique of nasal irrigation with a neti pot works wonders for chronic sinusitis and allergies. It also has an effect on upper respiratory tract infections including hay fever. Finding relief from these symptoms turns using this type of nasal irrigation from ‘I would never be able to do this’ to ‘where was this all my life!’.

Resources

• How to Check Dentist Credentials

[tgdan]

on 7/10/2009 You should make sure you look downwards when you irrigate, otherwise the saline could run down your throat instead of the other nostril.

See http://interneti.co.uk/jala-neti.php for more details.

[jseven]

on 4/22/2009 Neti pots are great and go way back in time, thanks!

[circusmama]

on 4/22/2009 I've always found the idea of this pretty gross, but everyone who uses them swears by them. Maybe someday I'll try it.

[aimeek]

on 4/21/2009 Using a neti pot sounds a little gross, but it's worth a try!

[kittykat3]

on 4/14/2009 Great tips on how to use a neti pot to relieve nasal congestion. 5*